Sanjaai Kumar¹ , Santhos Raj¹ , Jones Ponraj²

1 Department of Horticulture, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641003, Tamil Nadu, India
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Horticulture, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641003, Tamil Nadu, India
Author    Correspondence author
International Journal of Horticulture, 2026, Vol. 16, No. 3   doi: 10.5376/ijh.2026.16.0012
Received: 13 Jan., 2026    Accepted: 07 Apr., 2026    Published: 20 May, 2026

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Sanjaai K., Santhosh R., and Jones P., 2026, Medicinal coleus (Coleus forskohlii Briq): different methods of propagation–a review, International Journal of Horticulture, 16(3): 135-140 (doi: 10.5376/ijh.2026.16.0012)

Coleus forskohlii (Briq.), a prominent member of the Lamiaceae family, is a highly valued medicinal herb in Indian Ayurvedic medicine and the global pharmaceutical industry. Its primary therapeutic significance is attributed to forskolin, a unique labdane diterpene concentrated in the root tubers. Forskolin serves as a potent adenylate cyclase activator, making it indispensable for treating ailments such as hypertension, glaucoma, and congestive heart failure. However, the commercial cultivation of C. forskohlii faces significant challenges; conventional propagation via vegetative cuttings is often hindered by slow multiplication rates, seasonal limitations, and susceptibility to soil-borne pathogens. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of various propagation methodologies and biotechnological advancements aimed at enhancing biomass and forskolin yield. It evaluates the impact of plant density, cutting types, and planting methods on root productivity. A significant focus is placed on in vitro techniques, including shoot induction and callus formation using Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with specific growth regulators like BAP, NAA, and 2,4-D. Furthermore, the review explores the efficacy of brassinosteroids in promoting root development and the application of somatic embryogenesis and direct organogenesis for rapid, large-scale clonal propagation. These biotechnological approaches not only ensure the production of genetically uniform, disease-free planting material but also offer sustainable strategies for the conservation of this endangered medicinal species. By integrating tissue culture with elicitation strategies, the industry can better meet the rising global demand for forskolin while preserving natural germplasm.

Medicinal coleus (Coleus forskohlii Briq); Lamiaceae family; Direct organogenesis; Somatic embryogenesis; Brassinosteroid; Leaf explants; Stem cuttings; Forskolin